Figures Prints (1669)
Figure compositions are among the most diverse subjects in Japanese printmaking, encompassing everything from intimate domestic scenes to grand historical narratives. The tradition spans the full history of ukiyo-e, from Moronobu's pioneering single-sheet prints of the 1670s to contemporary figure studies that blend traditional techniques with modern sensibilities. In the ukiyo-e era, figure prints often depicted courtesans, actors, and townspeople of Edo's pleasure quarters, capturing the fashions, gestures, and social dynamics of urban life. The shin-hanga movement brought a more contemplative approach, with artists like Ito Shinsui creating elegant figure studies that emphasized mood and atmosphere over narrative action. Sosaku-hanga artists pursued more experimental figure work, from Onchi Koshiro's abstract portraits to Sekino Jun'ichiro's bold character studies. Figure prints in the Japanese tradition are notable for their attention to textile patterns, body language, and the suggestion of inner life through subtle compositional choices. Whether depicting a single standing figure or a complex multi-figure narrative, these works reveal the printmaker's skill in translating human presence into the woodblock medium.
Artists Known for Figures
Friends (W)
Woodblock print
Look Back (3) Red
Woodblock print
L'Attente. Celebes Menado (Waiting. Celebes Menado)
1947
Woodblock print
Souvenirs d'Autrefois Japon (Memories of the Past Japan)
1941
Woodblock print
Vieillad au Chapelet, Kawadzu
1940
Woodblock print
Unknown, ploughing ricefield
Woodblock print
CH1- Kiritsubo — 桐壺
Woodblock print
Chapter 40 - Prayer Offering - 御法
Woodblock print
Yomogyu (Weeds)
Woodblock print
Banquet
Woodblock print
The Tale Of Genji Usu Gumo A Wreath Of Cloud
Woodblock print
Whisper Whisper 3
A.P., 2005
Woodblock print
Whisper Whisper 1
A.P., 2004
Woodblock print
Chinese Lady in Red
Woodblock print
Seven Gods of Good Fortune
Woodblock print
Print 23 - Hatsune - 初音
Woodblock print
Print 5 - Akashi - 明石
Woodblock print
Suetsuma Hana
Woodblock print
Dutch Merchants
Woodblock print
Whisper Whisper 2
29/150, 2004
Woodblock print
Princess Nukata
Woodblock print
A frontispiece of a novel in
Woodblock print
Human Beings
1953
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
Small Desire
Woodblock print
Tokyo Tower
Etching, aquatint, drypoint, and roulette
City Love
Wood engraving
Standing People
Wood engraving
Illustrations for Genji Monogatari (54)
Woodblock print
CH35- Wakana
Woodblock print
Chapter 14 - Miotsukushi
Woodblock print
Chapter 29- The Imperial Visit - 行幸
Woodblock print
Chapter 42 - Niou-Miya
Woodblock print
Miotsukushi — 澪標
Woodblock print
![Title unknown [four figures and four lanterns] by Sumio Kawakami](https://1.api.artsmia.org/800/135993.jpg)
Title unknown [four figures and four lanterns]
May 23, 1971
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
A frontispiece of a novel, 1901
Woodblock print
Imperial Palace
Woodblock print
Traces of Time
Woodblock print
Closed Room W-124
Woodblock print
Camouflaged World 2
Woodblock print
Secret Codes 6
Woodblock print
Zodiac Series - Sagittarius
Woodblock print
Blue Note
Woodblock print
Eye to Eye
Woodblock print
Holy Smoke
Woodblock print
Highfire
Woodblock print
Keep Smiling
Woodblock print
Madoka
Woodblock print
Pillow Talk
Woodblock print
Quartet
Woodblock print
Ramen Nation
Woodblock print
Whisper
Woodblock print
Face to Face
Wood engraving
Three Together 2
Wood engraving
Vibration Together
Wood engraving
Again and again
Nihonga (sumi, pigments, gold leaf on washi mounted on board)
Dance
Ink painting
JAPAN
Painting
Kagamu (bend)
屈む
Photography (Fresco Giclee)
Narabu (queue)
並ぶ
Photography (Fresco Giclee)
Visiting
Woodblock print
Related Subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
Figure compositions are among the most diverse subjects in Japanese printmaking, encompassing everything from intimate domestic scenes to grand historical narratives. The tradition spans the full history of ukiyo-e, from Moronobu's pioneering single-sheet prints of the 1670s to contemporary figure studies that blend traditional techniques with modern sensibilities.
Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, Ogata Gekko, and Utagawa Kuniyoshi are among the artists most associated with figures in our collection. Browse the full list of artists who explored this subject above.
Hanga currently catalogues 1669 prints tagged with figures, spanning ukiyo-e, shin-hanga, and sōsaku-hanga traditions where applicable.